If you love crispy, flavorful chicken but want to skip the store-bought packets filled with preservatives, you are going to adore this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe. It’s that perfect crunchy coating made from simple pantry staples, combined with tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to golden perfection. This recipe brings back the nostalgic comfort of classic shake and bake but in a fresher, more natural form that you can feel great about serving any night of the week. Plus, it’s so versatile and easy, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and widely available, yet each plays a key role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma that makes this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the crunchy base, giving the chicken that satisfying crispiness.
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Helps the coating stick and adds a light, delicate crunch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses deep, savory garlic flavor with a little saltiness.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances all the other tastes.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory depth with a sweet and mild onion undertone.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness that makes the coating visually appealing.
- ½ teaspoon thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly minty flavor to balance the spices.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a lovely golden color.
- 6 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for moistening the chicken and helping the coating crisp up beautifully.
- 5 chicken breasts: The star of the dish — tender, juicy, and ready to be transformed.
How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees. This high heat ensures your chicken will cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust we all crave.
Step 2: Combine your dry ingredients
Into a large resealable freezer bag, add the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and thyme. Seal the bag and shake it well to blend all those wonderful spices evenly. Then pour in one tablespoon of olive oil and give it another shake until the mixture takes on a sandy, crumbly texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the chicken with olive oil
Pour the remaining olive oil onto a shallow plate or bowl. Take each chicken breast and coat it thoroughly with the oil — this helps the breading stick while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
Step 4: Shake the chicken in the coating
One chicken breast at a time, place it into the bag with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Seal the bag and gently squish and shake the chicken around so every inch is covered in the flavorful coating. For an extra thick crust, repeat this oil-coating and shaking step once more — your chicken will be gloriously crunchy!
Step 5: Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place the chicken breasts on it. Make sure to give each piece some breathing room by using two pans if needed — crowded chicken steams rather than crisps, and we want all the crunch here.
Step 6: Bake until perfectly cooked
Bake the chicken breasts for about 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The timer might vary depending on your oven and breast thickness, so consider using a meat thermometer for spot-on results.
Step 7: Let the chicken rest
Once golden and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cooling rack. This step helps keep the bottom crust from getting soggy by allowing juices to drain away, keeping your coating crispy and delicious.
How to Serve Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon can elevate this dish beautifully. The parsley adds freshness and color, while the lemon brings a bright zing that pairs perfectly with the savory coating.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a fun twist, try it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a vibrant quinoa salad for a healthy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice or pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. You can also shred leftovers for sandwiches or top a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal. The crispy coating stays flavorful in all these formats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the crust as crisp as possible, separate layers with parchment paper if stacking pieces.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a 350-degree oven on a wire rack to restore crispiness without drying out the chicken. Microwave reheating is faster but can make the coating less crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe, and they’ll stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the baking time—thighs may take a bit longer.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the coating crispy without gluten.
Can I make the shake and bake mix ahead of time?
Definitely! The dry mix can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for several weeks. Just add oil when you’re ready to assemble the chicken.
What if I don’t have olive oil?
You can swap in another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but olive oil adds a lovely flavor and helps the coating crisp beautifully, so it’s worth using if you can.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe a try because it truly delivers on flavor, ease, and that nostalgic crispiness we all love. It’s a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that everyone will ask for again. Cooking this at home not only feels rewarding but also lets you enjoy a healthier, fresher version of a classic. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for some seriously delicious chicken!
Print
Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 5-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Homemade Shake and Bake Mix recipe offers a flavorful and crunchy coating for chicken breasts. Using a blend of breadcrumbs, aromatic spices, and olive oil, the chicken is coated and baked to perfection, delivering a crispy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. Perfect for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Coating Mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Chicken
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 5 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Shake and Bake Mix: In a large Ziplock freezer bag, combine the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and thyme. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bag and mix until the mixture has a sandy texture.
- Coat Chicken with Oil: Pour the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil into a shallow bowl or plate. Dip each chicken breast in the olive oil so it is coated evenly.
- Coat Chicken with Mix: Place each oiled chicken breast into the Ziplock bag one at a time. Seal the bag and squish it around to coat the chicken well with the shake and bake mix. For a thicker crust, repeat the oil coating and shake and bake coating steps for each piece.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on a foil-lined baking sheet. Use two pans if needed to avoid crowding the chicken pieces.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken for approximately 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack to prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy. Allow the juices to drain beneath the chicken while resting.
Notes
- For extra crispy breading, double coat the chicken with olive oil and shake and bake mix.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
- Do not crowd the baking sheet to enable even cooking and crispiness.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
